“As huge numbers of people in Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire continue to work at home and adapt to a new routine, many may be putting themselves at unnecessary risk due to unsafe electrical setups and practices at home” says Angela Burns AM.

Angela has joined with leading consumer Charity, Electrical Safety First, who conducted research across Wales into the dangers to which remote workers in Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire may be unknowingly exposing themselves.

With increased use of electrical equipment in many homes such as work laptops, tablets, phones and heaters, a new survey by the Charity has found more than two thirds of those in Wales currently working from home are using extension leads or adaptors with the electronic device they’re working on[i] and almost half of them have more appliances plugged into one than they usually would.[ii]

Worryingly, almost a third are either unaware of the risks of overloading plug sockets or how to check whether they’re doing so.

Even more concerning is the fact that over half of those in Wales currently working from home using extension leads or adapters as part of their setup who admit to plugging one extension into another in order to reach further or plug more appliances in, and is advised against in all circumstances, known as “Daisy chaining”.

A further issue identified by the Charity is misuse of electrical goods in the bedroom, with 52 per cent of those surveyed in Wales either often or sometimes placing an electrical item such as a laptop or phone on their bed whilst it is charging. Electrical items should only ever be left on hard, non-flammable surfaces unless switched off and not charging.

Electrical Safety First is recommending those working from home take advantage of the Charity’s Socket Overload Calculator to check they’re not plugging too many appliances in at once, and to pay extra attention to their electrical safety during their period of remote working.

Angela said,

“With our working practices changing and more equipment being used at home we must ensure that our equipment is safely and sensibly used and powered.

“There are a few easy steps to follow to ensure we stay safe.

“Remember to check electrical appliances, don’t overload sockets and NEVER use faulty items. Extension leads can only handle so much power – plug too many things in and the chances are they will blow. Faulty goods can also be a big issue, too. If your washing machine or tumble dryer starts playing up – stop using it and get it checked immediately.”

Robert Jervis-Gibbons, Public Affairs Manager at Electrical Safety First, commented: “We are really grateful to Angela for joining with us to raise awareness of the safe use of electricity when working from home. With more than three quarters of those in Wales who are currently working from home doing so for the first time due to COVID-19, it’s unsurprising that not everyone will have had a chance to ensure their work stations are free from electrical hazards.

“We should all pay extra attention to electrical safety during our period of remote working. For more detail as well as some helpful tools, head to www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk ”

Police urge visitors to ‘check the rules’

POLICE in Powys are reminding people to check the rules before they travel, as tourists from the Midlands, London and Bristol continue to visit despite lockdown restrictions.

Last weekend more than 1,000 cars were turned around by police in the Brecon Beacons after visitors attempted to access the area around Ystradfellte known as ‘waterfall country’.

Many of those stopped claimed they thought the rules around travel were the same as in England, while others had deliberately flouted them.

Seventy-two per cent of people reported for breaches of Covid-19 restrictions in Powys since March 27 have been from outside the police force area.

“I would like to thank the communities of Powys for their cooperation in recent months in complying with requirements of the Covid 19 legislation and also reassure them we are still working hard with our partners to police the restrictions that remain in place across Wales,” said Superintendent Steve Davies.

“Our officers have worked hard to engage with the public at every opportunity throughout these unprecedented times by explaining what we are doing and why, and encouraging people to make the best choices to protect public health in Wales.

“But where people have clearly flouted the rules we have dealt with them appropriately and issued fines.”

He said officers will continue to conduct stop checks throughout Powys and across the force area this weekend.

In England, people can now travel an unlimited distance for exercise and to access so-called ‘beauty spots’.

But the Welsh Government has said people must remain local – ideally not travelling further than five miles from their home – for exercise or limited leisure pursuits, and this also applies to anyone travelling across the border.

Wales’ three national parks – which include popular sites such as Snowdon, the Elan valley and the Pembrokeshire coast – currently remain closed to the public, as do all National Trust car parks and properties.